Key numbers
77 verified hail storms with stones of 1.75 inches or larger reached Travis County, which includes Austin, from 1984 to 2025 in the storm records we keep; the largest measured 5 inches (softball size) on May 20, 2011 (NOAA NCEI).
| Hail storms by decade, 1984 to 2025 | 1980s: 8, 1990s: 16, 2000s: 24, 2010s: 13, 2020s: 16 Source: NOAA NCEI |
|---|---|
| Largest hail | 5 in. (softball), May 20, 2011 Source: NOAA NCEI |
| Costliest hail storm | $160 million insured losses (2006 dollars), April 20, 2006 Source: Insurance Journal |
| 1.72 million | Only 1.72 million U.S. homes had mainly fiberglass window frames in 2020, and 2.25 million had composite frames. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), 2020 |
| 32 | The median age of U.S. homes was 32 years in 2007, per NAHB citing Census data. Source: National Association of Home Builders / Bank of America Home Equity, 2007 |
| 15% | Tempered glass reportedly adds 15% or more to the cost of a window, per DOE's Building America Solution Center. Source: U.S. DOE Building America Solution Center (PNNL) |
A storm counts when NOAA lists a report in Travis County. Each hail size is the storm's largest report in the seven Austin-area counties, which may have fallen in a neighboring county, and insured losses cover every area the storm hit.
Integrity Roofing and Painting replaces windows in existing homes in Austin and the surrounding Hill Country towns. Simonton is the line we install most often, and we can install another brand you choose. In Central Texas the biggest decision is how much solar heat the glass lets in, so we compare windows by their NFRC labels, then measure, install and flash each unit so the wall stays dry. We replace windows only; we do not supply windows for new construction.
Signs your Austin windows are done
- Hot rooms on the west and south sides, even with blinds closed.
- Fog or haze between the panes, which means the seal has failed and the insulating gas is gone.
- Single-pane or bare aluminum frames that are hot to the touch in summer.
- Cracked glass, torn screens or split frames after hail. Check them along with the roof; see Austin hail damage.
- Stains or soft drywall below a window, a sign water is getting around the frame; see window leaks at the flashing.
Choosing glass for Texas sun
ENERGY STAR sets window criteria by climate zone. Its two warm zones both limit SHGC to 0.23:
| ENERGY STAR zone | U-factor | SHGC |
|---|---|---|
| South-Central | 0.28 or lower | 0.23 or lower |
| Southern | 0.32 or lower | 0.23 or lower |
Use ENERGY STAR’s zone lookup for your ZIP code, then compare the numbers on each window’s NFRC label. The label also lists visible transmittance, which tells you how much daylight still comes through low-SHGC glass.
What Simonton covers
Simonton’s lifetime limited warranty for its replacement products covers vinyl, hardware and screens for the residential owner and can be transferred once to the next residential owner; glass coverage is prorated. Labor for removal, reinstallation or repair is not part of that warranty. Those are Simonton’s terms; installation is covered by our own workmanship terms in your contract.
Austin’s WUI code and windows
The City of Austin’s wildland-urban interface code, the 2024 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code with local amendments, took effect July 10, 2025 for new projects. In Zone A, within 50 feet of wildland, windows must be tempered glass, dual-pane, glass block or 20-minute fire-rated. The city’s page notes that existing buildings are not required to be updated unless an official finds a serious hazard, but work on structures in the WUI must comply, so ask the city about your project. Check your parcel on the city’s Interactive WUI Code Map.
Safety glass and escape windows
The residential code requires safety glass in hazardous spots such as doors, glass beside doors, large low panes near walking surfaces and glass near tubs and showers, and it protects the size of bedroom escape windows. A replacement in an escape opening should be the largest standard size that fits and should not reduce the opening. We check both before ordering. Permit rules for exterior work are summarized on our Austin roof permit page and Austin building code data.
Older homes and lead paint
EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting rule covers window replacement in homes built before 1978 no matter how small the job, and it requires certified firms and lead-safe work practices. Tell us your home’s age when you book.
Windows with siding and roofing
Window flashing laps into the wall’s weather barrier, so replacing windows with a siding replacement gives the cleanest detail. We also handle roof replacement, gutters, and exterior painting of the new trim.
Get an Austin window estimate
Integrity Roofing and Painting is veteran-owned and family-run since 1990, an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred roofing contractor with 650+ Google reviews. Our Austin office is at 13341 W US Hwy 290, Building 2, Suite 246. Call (512) 610-5897 or book a free inspection; we respond the same business day. Ask about financing.
Sources: ENERGY STAR Windows, Doors and Skylights Version 7.0, Table 1; City of Austin, Wildland-Urban Interface Code; Simonton, Lifetime Limited Warranty, Replacement Products; National Fenestration Rating Council; EPA, RRP Program: Contractors.
